2016 Baseball. Rule Book

Transcription

1 2016 Baseball Rule Book

2 2016 Upper Chesapeake Recreation Baseball League (UCRBL) Rule Book I. Program Guidelines Registration A copy of a player's birth certificate will be required for any player's first year of play. Players will play in their age groups according to their birth dates as indicated below: Program Age before May 1 Tee Ball 4-6 Rookie 7-8 Minor 9-10 Major Players may "play up" (except tee ball players), but are not allowed to play in lower age groups. Tournaments Each age group season shall be followed by a double elimination tournament (format to be determined). After play has continued for 2 Hours, no new inning will start (Tournament Only). Both Monday-Friday and Saturday-Sunday constitute a pitching week during tournament play only. Tournaments Placement Rookie, Minor, and Major - The tournament placement will be by blind draw. Regular season statistics will not be used in determining tournament placement Regular season standings will be used in determining tournament placement. Tie-Breakers The following tie breakers will be used (if necessary) to determine seeding following Regular Season (13-15) and Tournament preliminary round play: Two-way tie: 1) Head to head competition (only applies when two teams are tied) 2) Lowest average runs per game allowed per game played (if head to head does not apply) 3) Highest average runs scored per game played 4) Coin toss Three (or more)-way tie: Lowest average runs allowed in ALL games will determine the highest seed (but if one team beat all other tied teams, they are the top seed). After highest seed is determined and two teams remain tied, revert to two-way tie breaker procedures. All Star Teams An All Star day will be held during the season, for all groups --- including Tee Ball. Three to four players from each team, depending on league size, will participate. They will abide by in house rules. All Star Game dates will be determined by the league managers prior to the start of the regular season.

3 II. Organizational Responsibilities Managers Besides the on field game time decisions of the manager, he must assure all safety rules for his players. They will also be responsible for games dates, times and places. He must be sure his team is in uniform with protective cups on. His help will be required on the field, at Picture Day and much, much more. Managers must maintain official scorebooks and rosters to turn into commissioners at the end of the season. Managers are to report all scores and pitchers/innings pitched to commissioner after each game for both teams. Umpire The umpire has more to do than just call balls and strikes. He must check for protective cups, check the base and mound distances, and make sure the bases are secure. The umpire must know the rulebook inside and out, and take authority of the game. Umpires must report any accomplishment or concern to the Chief Umpire. The Umpire will have complete control of the field and his decisions are final. Field Crews The field crew will check the fields for safe playing conditions. III. Conduct Sportsmanship However, we also expect that every participant will will conduct him/herself at all times in a manner that is appropriate for youth baseball. Accordingly, arguing with or complaining about umpire judgment calls (balls/strikes, out/safe or fair/foul) or any display of inappropriate behavior (to include foul language used) by coaches, managers, players, parents or spectators simply will not be tolerated. One warning may be issued by an umpire. Anyone in violation of this sportsmanship rule may be asked to leave the premises immediately by either the umpire or site director. If after five (5) minutes the offending person is not out of sight and sound of the field, the team will forfeit the game in progress (final score recorded as 7-0). Anyone ejected from a game is suspended from participating or being a spectator at the next game. Team head coaches/managers are 100% responsible for the conduct of their assistant coaches, players, parents and any other related spectators. Anyone who threatens an umpire, opposing coach or player (either physically or verbally) will be asked to leave immediately and may not return for the duration of the season. Especially egregious acts will be sent to the disciplinary board of the team s Baseball Program Board and/or Rec Council which may result in permanent suspension from participating in baseball activities. Team managers should make certain that everyone associated with their team is fully aware of the sportsmanship rules in advance of the tournament. The games should be fun for all involved, especially the kids playing in them. Alcohol and Tobacco use: The sale or use of tobacco in any form is prohibited in county buildings or on county grounds. Anyone using alcohol or tobacco products in any form will be asked to leave grounds or dispose of alcohol or tobacco. If that person refuses to do so then the team that the person is represented will forfeit that game. Managers and or Coaches - Managers and/or Coaches shall at all times be respectful and courteous to fellow Managers, Coaches, and Umpires and also to Players and parents of Players. Managers and Coaches will not at any time, use vulgar and/or obscene language or gestures. To do so will require mandatory and permanent removal from the Program. To strike or threaten to strike any Manager, Coach, Umpire, Player or spectator will require mandatory removal from the Program. Any Manager or Coach,

4 who uses alcohol and/or drugs during a game or at a practice, will automatically be removed from the Program permanently. If a Manager and/or Coach are in violation during a game, the Umpire will instruct the offending party to leave the field. If compliance to the Umpire's orders is not forthcoming in 5 minutes the team that the offender represents will forfeit the game and be declared the loser. The opposing team will be declared the winner and will be officially recorded in the books. Players - A Player at all times shall be respectful and courteous to Managers, Coaches, Umpires, and other Players. Players are not to, at any time; use vulgar and/or obscene language or gestures to any Manager, Coach, Umpire, Player or spectator. If a player is in violation, one warning will be issued. If a second violation occurs during the season, the Player will be suspended for two (2) games. A third violation will require that the Player be removed from the Program. The Manager and/or Coach will notify the Commissioner of the League that a third violation has occurred and a Player has been removed from the Program within 24 hours. The Board, by a simple majority vote, will determine whether that Player will be allowed to return to the Program the following year. Parents - A Parent of a player shall at all times be respectful and courteous to Managers, Coaches, Umpires, Players and Parents. Parents are not to, at any time, use vulgar and/or obscene language or gestures to any Manager, Coach, Umpire, Player or other spectator, or be disruptive to the game. If a Parent is in violation during a game, the Umpire, with the assistance of the team Manager of the team the Parent represents, will inform the Parent that they are being disruptive to the game and please desist from the disruptive conduct. If the Parent continues to be disruptive, the Umpire, with the assistance of the Manager of the team the Parent represents, will ask the Parent to leave the field. If the Parent does not leave the field within 5 minutes the team that the offender represents will forfeit the game and be declared the loser. The opposing team will be declared the winner and will be officially recorded in the record books. Any parent removed from the field must be reported to the commissioner within 24 hours. Disciplinary Procedures for parent and players: The Manager of each team is the only person that should question the umpire regarding rules. Judgment calls (balls, strikes, fair/foul balls, safe and out) are non-negotiable Once a warning is issued by an umpire for conduct either by the manager, assistant coach(es), parents or players, the second infraction will result in the immediate ejection of the manager and the other offending party (if applicable) If the manager is the primary offender and is ejected from a game, they will also be suspended for the next game and their name will be provided to the UCRBL Board of Directors for further review and possible additional disciplinary actions. In the event that there is another individual ejected, that individual will also be suspended for the next game and their name will be provided to the UCRBL Board of Directors for further review and possible additional disciplinary actions. Any specific or general concerns with a specific umpire should be reported to the Umpire Coordinator via . A written response will be provided generally within 48-hours. Bat & Helmet Throwing (does not apply to Tee Ball). Anytime a Player intentionally throws a bat or helmet in anger or just playing around, a team warning will be issued and/or at the umpire's discretion the player will be removed. All ejected players will be removed at no expense to the line up. T-Ball managers are expected to emphasize proper conduct. IV. Equipment Uniforms The league furnishes uniforms. It is the player's responsibility to wear and keep the uniform clean. The manager will give out uniforms at the beginning of the season. All players must be in uniform to play. Refer to Official Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth League rules. No jewelry is allowed in any age group this

5 includes: earrings/body piercing, watches, necklaces, arm bands, etc. There are no exceptions to this rule. Personal Equipment Any player at any level may use his own equipment. Spikes must be rubber or plastic for all ages (metal cleats are permitted in 13/15 only). Aluminum bats are permitted, but must be Little League Approved, and not exceed the following sizes for age groups: Rookie & Minor Length: 35" Diameter: 2 1/4", BPF 1.15 Stamped Major Length: 36" Diameter: 2 5/8, BPF 1.15 Stamped Length: 36" Diameter: 2 5/8", (Unlimited Drop); Wooden Bats: 2 5/8 Diameter, (-3). No double walled bats are permitted for any age group. Composite Barrel and Handle Bats are permitted if they adhere to the restrictions above. Batting Helmets All batters, base runners, and on deck batters must wear helmets. This applies to all age groups. Face shields are available but are not mandatory to wear. Protective Cups With the exception of Tee Ball, all players will wear cups at practice and games. The umpire will check all players before the game is played. NO CUP - NO PLAY. A player will be allowed to go home and get one and be placed at the bottom of lineup. Playing time will not be in effect for his time gone - inning missed will count as played. Protective Equipment (Catchers) All catchers at all levels will wear helmet, mask, chest protector, protective cup, and shin guards. The league will provide this equipment, except for the cup. Players will be allowed to use their own equipment as long as it is Little League Approved. Pre and Post Game Responsibilities Each team will provide (1) one game ball. (supplied by the League). The home field is responsible for obtaining line, bases and the pitching rubber. Both teams should assist each other in field prep, at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. The scheduled teams are responsible for paying half of the umpire fees (supplied by the League) for the Minor, Major and Divisions. The home program field is responsible for acquiring umpires with umpire fees being split between the home and away team. The home field is responsible for removing bases, and placing them in the equipment box after the game. The coach of the home team is responsible for reporting the score to the age group commissioner. For 13-15, this must be accompanied by a picture of both the home & away score books. V. Ground Rules Game Cancellation and Curfews In the event of rain early in the day, the field crew, umpires and managers should check the fields for safe playing conditions. The manager will be responsible to contact all players in the event of cancellation. The status of each field will be updated on the website at Note: The status will not change for weekday games after 4:30pm, in order to allow enough time for umpire and player notification. After 4:30pm, game cancellation or postponement will be an onsite decision. In the event of rain during a game, there will be a 15-minute rain delay before the umpire calls a game. The commissioner will set a make up date unless the complete game rule applies. If lightning is seen, leave the field immediately, and wait in your car. Do not remain on or around the bench, bleachers, or backstop. You must wait 30 minutes after each lightning strike before play can be resumed. The make-up rule will be in effect unless the official game rules apply.

6 Games stopped in the middle of an inning due to darkness will be at the umpire s discretion. However, to ensure that enough daylight will remain to complete another full inning no new inning can start after: April 8:00 pm May 8:15 pm June 8:30 pm Game Length (Innings) per Age Group Tee Ball 2 Innings with everyone batting and playing the field Rookie 5 Innings Minor 6 Innings Major 6 Innings Innings Official Game A game that has completed four (4) innings and is called due to darkness or inclement weather will be official even if it is a tie. In the event of a tie the game will be recorded as a tie game. It is an official game when four (4) innings have been completed (3-1/2 if the home team is ahead). Games that have progressed to the top of the 5th inning which have been called for any reason (except a tie), shall be determined by the score at the end of the 4th inning. Games progressing to the 6th inning will use the 5th inning score. Games stopped due to inclement weather or darkness that are not official, shall be resumed at the point of suspension, with the same line-up and players as possible. Coaches will make a good-faith effort to attempt to make-up any game that is not completed and official. Pitching rules will apply. Forfeits Tee Ball and Rookie will not have forfeits. Play with what you have or take players from the other team. Minor, Major, and have 15 minutes after the scheduled start time, to acquire at least eight (8) players to start a game, before a forfeit is declared. You may add to the lineup if players show up late. * Scheduled start time shall be 6:00 pm for evening games, forfeit time shall be 6:30 a team having at least 8 players must start at 6:15 late players shall be added to the bottom of the line-up. Farm Players Tee Ball and Rookie will not use farm players. Minor, Major, and teams may call up farm players from a lower age group in order to prevent a forfeit or if a manager has only eight (8) players available. Any farm player who is called up and shows up to the field in uniform is now on your roster for that game and must play. You cannot send a farm player home, or remove him from a game if another player arrives late. In Minor, a manager may call up a maximum of 2 players to make a team of 10. In Major and a manager may call up enough players to make a team of 9. Managers will make every attempt to field a team. If a farm player is called up, he must have his parent's permission and a uniform from his own team. The rules of the age group he is playing for will be enforced. The farm player must play in the field and he must bat. However, a farm player CANNOT pitch. If he does pitch, it is a forfeit. A farm player can only be called up to play for the same team one (1) time per week. Farm players can only play in the next age group up.

7 Collision Rule All runners must slide or otherwise attempt to avoid a fielder who has possession of the ball and is waiting to make a tag. If a runner fails to do so and a collision occurs the runner is out, the ball is dead and trailing runners may not advance. If in the judgment of the umpire the collision is intentional or flagrant, the offending player will be ejected from that game and his position in the lineup will be recorded as an out. If a runner does not slide and there is no collision and the umpire rules the runner safe, the runner is safe. Umpire Discussions In the event of a discussion with the umpire, only one (1) representative (Manager or Coach) from each team may be involved. Others will be told to leave. Violations of this rule can result in forfeiture of the game. Base Coaches It is the responsibility of the coaches (or a spectator of a player) to coach the bases. A base coach may not enter the field of play. A base coach may not mark the field. In this event, a warning will be issued. Second offense, the lead runner will be declared out. A base coach may not grab, push or touch a player while the ball is in play. In this event, a warning will be issued. The second offense, the lead runner will be out. High five's and handshakes are permitted when play is dead. In 13-15, if a team member coaches, they must wear a helmet. Tee Ball is exempt from this rule in that they may allow one coach in the outfield to assist with player positioning and for safety. Rookie division coaches may enter field of play only to position players at the beginning of defensive play. Rookie baseball may have coaches for the first two weeks in the outfield grass no more than two for player positioning between plays. However, there can be no interference during live ball scenarios. Base and Mound Distance It is not only field crew, but also the manager and umpire's job to ensure proper distance, and stabilization of all bases, pitcher's mound and home plate. The following measurements apply: Age group Mound/Base/2 nd -Home Distance Rookie 40' / 60' / Minor 46' / 60' / Major 50' / 70' / '6 / 90' / Out-Of-Play The umpire will set ground rules for Rookie, Minor, Major, and 13-15, prior to the start of the game. Tee Ball will be at the manager's discretion prior to the start of the game. On Deck Batters All on deck batters must wear a helmet and stand out of play in a designated area. The rest of the team must be on the bench at all times except to use bathroom facilities or warming up pitchers. All players warming up pitchers must be in full catcher s gear at all times. Reporting Scores The Home team will report the final scores and pitchers/innings pitched for both teams to the league via the League website at or to the Age Group commissioner via or text. This applies to the age group only. Protest A protest must be entered at the time of the protest. You cannot protest a judgment call. There will be a fee of $100 to enter a protest, with all money going to the UCRBL. The money will be due at the time of the hearing. If you win the protest, you will get your money back. To enter a valid protest, the manager must go to the league commissioner. The commissioner will then go to the league President, who will then appoint a board of three (3) persons not affiliated with the age group involved. There will be a hearing with both managers and the umpire who will tell their sides of the story. A decision will be made

8 by the three (3) persons appointed and that decision is FINAL. * A protest must be lodged before the next play begins and must be accompanied by a one-hundred-dollar protest fee. If protest is upheld the fee will be returned in full. (Protest shall be heard by a committee with a representative of all for rec councils a neutral rec shall provide any tie breaking vote) VI. Game Rules (Cal Ripken /Babe Ruth leagues rules apply, unless stated otherwise below) Tee Ball Everybody plays in the field. All players will appear in the batting order, and bat accordingly throughout the game. If a player gets hurt or has to leave it will not count as an out. Tee Ball does not use catchers. No stealing is allowed in Tee Ball. Tee Ball will have no leading off base. Tee Ball will have no pinch runners except in case of injury. Base runners may not dive (head first) at any time. Tee Ball will have NO Intentional Walks. Tee Ball will have no bunting. Rookie (7-8) A total of ten defensive players are allowed during regular season in-house play, including the catcher (One extra outfielder). There may only be a maximum of five infielders, including the pitcher. All players will appear in the batting order, and bat accordingly throughout the game. If a player gets hurt or has to leave, it will not count as an out. No one may sit out for more than two consecutive defensive innings. Teams must bat their entire roster. All managers and coaches must pitch to their own batters from regulation 40 feet, Overhand only. Players will pitch all (5) innings. No walks will be awarded. If a player throws ball four the coach on the mound will continue the at bat with the current count until the batter gets a hit or strikes out. A pitcher may only pitch one inning per game. During player pitch: Coaches will call balls and strikes for their own hitters. (3) strikes result in an out. No Balks Coaches will pitch to their own hitters However, a batter will be called out after pitch (7) unless he fouls pitch (7) off. The defense will provide a pitcher to stand beside the coach for fielding purposes. If a Pitcher hits more than One Batter, he/she must be removed as a pitcher. Once a pitcher has been removed from the game, he may re-enter the game at another position, but may NOT pitch again. Intentional walks are not permitted. Note: The pitching rules may be modified during the season by the BOD to adjust for safety reasons, competitive balance, and/or duration of the games. One (1) coach is allowed in outfield grass for player instruction provided that at least one (1) coach or manager be at the bench at all times. Game length will be five (5) complete innings or NOT to exceed Two Hours Mercy Rule: There will be a limit of 5 runs per inning for a team at bat. Catchers are limited to 3 innings per game. No stealing of any base. Leading off base is not permitted.

9 A batter-runner may not slide into first base. (1 st offense - verbal warning, next offense - runner is called out) Base runners are strictly prohibited from diving (head first) at any time. A pinch runner may be used for the next inning s catcher with 2 outs. Pinch runner must be the player who made the second out. Bases are 60 feet. Home to 2 nd Base is Batter s Box is 3 x 6 (4 off the plate) No infield-fly or dropped third strike rule. It s up to each coach to form their own judgment on swinging bunts. These are batted balls that go 2 or 3 feet in front of home plate. Typically, they would be a foul ball but if in your opinion, that is the best a player can do, then let it count as a fair ball. The object is to have as many hits as possible. No Player shall use a T to hit during a game. A base runner may NOT advance on an overthrow. On balls hit to the outfield, runners may advance until the ball is brought back to the infield and an infielder holds the ball over his head. If a runner is more than half way, he may advance to the next base. Coach on the pitcher s mound has final say on all calls. Minor (9-10) All players will appear in the batting order, and bat accordingly throughout the game. If a player gets hurt or has to leave it will not count as an out. No one may sit out for more than two consecutive defensive innings. Teams must bat their entire roster. Innings pitched limitations: a maximum of three (3) innings per game and a maximum of six (6) innings per week. One-day rest between any appearances. One pitch from the pitcher s mound will constitute one (1) inning pitched. No Travel players will be allowed to play in any 9-10 Rec game. A ball is considered live until controlled by the pitcher or the umpire signals that time has been called. Once a pitcher has been removed from the game, he may re-enter the game at another position, but may NOT pitch again. There will be a limit of 5 runs per inning, with the last inning being unlimited. Slaughter rule is in effect (10 runs after team behind completes four at bats). Leading off base is not permitted. A batter-runner may not slide into first base. Penalty is an automatic out. Base runners are strictly prohibited from diving (head first) at any time. A pinch runner may be used for the next inning s catcher or pitcher with 2 outs. Pinch runner must be the player who made the second out. No balks. Intentional walks are not permitted. There is no dropped third strike. A pitcher may hit a maximum of 2 batters per inning, or 3 batters per game before he/she must be removed as a pitcher. 9 players in the field/defensive play. However, if both managers agree prior to the start of any game, a tenth defensive player (outfielder only) may play in the field. No stealing/leaving the base until the ball crosses home plate. There is no stealing of home. A runner may not steal more than one base per batter. Runners may not advance on an overthrow during a steal Major (11-12) All players will appear in the batting order, and bat accordingly throughout the game. If a player gets hurt or has to leave it will not count as an out.

10 No one may sit out for more than two consecutive defensive innings. Teams must bat their entire roster. Innings pitched limitations: a maximum of three (3) innings per game and a maximum of six (6) innings per week. One-day rest between any appearances. One pitch from the pitcher s mound will constitute one (1) inning pitched. No Travel players will be allowed to play in any Rec game. A ball is considered live until controlled by the pitcher or the umpire signals that time has been called. Once a pitcher has been removed from the game, he may re-enter the game at another position, but may NOT pitch again. Slaughter rule is in effect (10 runs after team behind completes four at bats). A batter-runner may not slide into first base. Penalty is an automatic out. Base runners are strictly prohibited from diving (head first), except when returning to a base. A pinch runner may be used for the next inning s catcher or pitcher with 2 outs. Pinch runner must be the player who made the second out. There will be a limit of 5 runs per inning, with the last inning being unlimited. Dropped 3 rd Strike Rule applies. Infield Fly Rule applies. Intentional walks not permitted. 9 players in the field/defensive play. However, if both managers agree prior to the start of any game, a tenth defensive player (outfielder only) may play in the field. A pitcher may hit a maximum of 2 batters per inning, or 3 batters per game before he/she must be removed as a pitcher. Each pitcher may receive 1 balk warning per game. A balk causes an immediate dead ball. No runners may advance; no outs may be recorded. (13-15) Baseball Roster must be submitted to the league by May 1. Rosters will have no more than 15 players. Players must play in no less than 5 regular season games to be eligible for tournament. All players will appear in the batting order, and bat accordingly throughout the game. If a player gets hurt or has to leave it will not count as an out. No one may sit out for more than two consecutive defensive innings. One pitch from the pitcher s mound will constitute one (1) inning pitched. Pitchers may not pitch more than four (4) innings per game and a maximum of seven (7) innings per week. There must be one day of rest between games for all pitchers. A ball is considered live until controlled by the pitcher or the umpire signals that time has been called. Once a pitcher has been removed from the game, he may re-enter the game at another position, but may NOT pitch again. Farm players are not permitted to pitch. Slaughter rule is in effect (10 runs after team behind completes five at bats). A batter-runner may not slide into first base. Penalty is an automatic out. Base runners are allowed to dive/slide head first, into a base. Metal cleats are permitted in this age group only. However, remember when sliding feet first, feet must stay toe down and avoid collisions. A pinch runner may be used for the next inning s catcher or pitcher with 2 outs. Pinch runner must be the player who made the second out. There will be a limit of 5 runs per inning, with the last inning being unlimited. Intentional walks are limited to a total of 2 per game, but not to the same hitter. A pitcher may hit a maximum of 2 batters per inning, or 3 batters per game before he/she must be removed as a pitcher. Each pitcher may receive 1 balk warning per game. A balk causes an immediate dead ball. No runners may advance; no outs may be recorded. No one may sit out for more than two defensive innings.

11 Travel For Rookie, Minor and Major play, all travel teams play only Travel games. Except where noted herein, Travel players will not play against a Rec team unless it is an off-schedule scrimmage agreed to by the team managers and approved by the age group commissioner. For High School and Travel Players are allowed on any team.